The Mahishasuramardini stotra is a beautiful hymn that depicts the glory and greatness of the Supreme and Divine Mother. This stotra, composed in the Sanskrit language by Adi Sankaracharya is a condensed form of the great Hindu scripture Chandi Saptashati, which is also known as Devi Mahatmayam.

The great Adi Sankaracharya brought together all the important sound energies of the Chandi Saptashati into this beautiful hymn. These specific sound energies of the Sanskrit language have the ability to purify the spiritual centers located in our subtle bodies, and eradicate all our negativities and bondages.

While praising the Divine Mother we are not only extolling her greatness of killing the demons that existed many ages ago, but are asking her to eradicate the inner enemies such as anger, jealously, pride, excessive desires and ignorance that exist within us.

While we sing this beautiful hymn with Gurumaa we are praying to the Divine Mother to destroy these inner enemies so that we can experience our true, divine nature! Only then can we realize that the Divine Mother is nowhere else but within us!

Lord Shiva is one of the most revered and worshiped gods in Hinduism. Followers of Shiva, who are known as Shaivites honor him as the Supreme Being. In fact the lineage of all self-realized masters originates from Shiva, the primordial guru.

Lord Shiva is personified as the destroyer or transformer in the Hindu trinity of gods known as Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh (also known as Shiva).

The abstract form of Shiva is depicted by a Shiva linga, while the statues which represent him depict him in the form of a beautiful yogi who is adorned with snakes, ashes and tiger skin, and always immersed in deep meditation.

The Sanskrit word Shiva means “the auspicious one” or one who is eternally pure and not affected by the three gunas (qualities) of nature. While there are many hymns and mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva, Om Namah Shivaya is one of the most well-known mantras in Shaivism.

Om Namah Shivaya is also known as the Panchakshara mantra (five syllable mantra excluding Om), or great redeeming mantra. The mantra means “I bow to Shiva, the supreme reality and pure consciousness that exists in all”.

These five sacred syllables correspond to the five elements from which the human body is formed. Na is associated with the earth element, ma to the water element, shi to fire, va to air and ya to the ether element.

As we repeat this powerful mantra each syllable purifies its specific element. Ultimately it allows the body and mind become pure, allowing one to obtain full benefits in their spiritual practices.

This mantra has no restrictions and can be chanted by anyone at any time in their life. It has the power to free one from any type of sins and break the bondages of the mind.

As the mind is purified and freed from its ignorance, one experiences the true wisdom: Shiva, the supreme bliss is nowhere but within us!

Aum is the primordial sound from which this entire world was created, and is considered to be the greatest mantra amongst all in Hinduism. Other names for Aum include pranava (humming sound) or udgita (elevating chant) meditation.

According to the sages of India this entire universe is vibrating with the universal cosmic sound Aum. Watch this video by Gurumaa to discover the significance and hidden meanings of the mantra Aum!

Aum is always seen in the beginning of every prayer or mantra, and is also known as a bija (seed) or moola (root) mantra. In fact as Gurumaa says if Aum is not used in the start of an incantation, it is not considered to be a mantra and has no value!

The mantra Aum represents the Hindu trinity, or three principles of existence: A represents Brahma, U is Vishnu, and M is Shiva. The silence felt after chanting Aum signifies the ultimate reality that is present at every moment. This reality is beyond creation (Brahma), sustenance (Vishnu) and destruction (Shiva).

According to Indian scriptures this entire world, along with the human body and mind is made up of three gunas (qualities). A represents the tamas guna (ignorance, darkness), U is rajas guna (passion and dynamism) and M symbolizes the satwwa guna (harmony, clarity). The silence experienced after chanting Aum transcends the three gunas, and represents pure consciousness.

Each letter is connected to a specific area in the body. When chanting Aum, the vibration of A can be felt in the abdomen (navel area), U in the throat and the resonance of M can be experienced in the head. The silence experienced after the chanting of Aum represents the supreme consciousness that is beyond our thinking and comprehension.

These three syllables also represent the three states or bodies that constitute the human system. A represents the waking state (jagrat avastha), U symbolizes the dream state (swapna avastha), while M is related to the dreamless state (susupta avastha). The fourth state is beyond the three levels of consciousness and is known as transcendental state (turiya avastha).

This state is not represented by any letter and occurs when one has finished chanting Aum. In this state of silence only consciousness is present and nothing else exists. This consciousness is the Brahman, or atman that exists within us.

The great sages of India constantly reiterate that Aum is the essence of the four Vedas. Everything has arisen, rests and dissolves in Aum. Anyone can chant this beautiful mantra, and regular chanting eventually leads one to experience God: the pure supreme consciousness, or bliss that exists right within us!

What is the purpose of mantra jaap and how should naam sumiran (remembrance) be practiced? Watch part two of these videos as Gurumaa elucidates the mysteries of this ancient science!

Mantra is sound, and according to the Vedas this entire universe has been created from sound, or the cosmic sound Aum. The great seers of India discovered the power of sound vibrations in a mantra, and realized that the mantra can help one eradicate the confusions, fantasies and constant fluctuations of the mind.

The word mantra is derived from Sanskrit, and literally is translated as “mind tool”. If done properly, mantra jaap is a tool that frees one from the various bondages and illusions of the mind.

The sound of the mantra permeates the entire body and frees the mind from negative emotions and impressions. It gives rise to pure happiness and allows one to become absorbed in God. Ultimately the spiritual centers in a seeker are awakened, which allows one to enter deep states of meditation.

It is extremely necessary for the body to be balanced and still while practicing mantra jaap. As Gurumaa says if the body is unbalanced how can the mind be stable? The mind becomes restless as the body moves, and therefore it is important to sit in a proper, comfortable posture during this time.

Regular practice of yoga asanas and breathing techniques not only help keep the mind and body strong but allow the body to become prepared for sitting in meditation. After all, a strong, healthy body not only remains disease free, but allows one to perform spiritual practices with ease!

One of the greatest techniques to still and focus the mind is mantra jaap, a method that the sages of India have used for ages. Since the nature of the mind is to think and be engrossed in thoughts, the ancient rishis of India devised a method that uses one thought: the mantra.

A mantra is composed of letters which form words that create positive vibrations within us. If one abusive word can make us upset, or angry it is not surprising that the mantra has the ability to and completely transform a person.

There are four different ways mantra jaap can be practiced. It can be spoken (vaikhari), whispered or hummed (upamsu), repeated in the mind (manasic) and written (likhita).

As Gurumaa says repeating the mantra with the breath is greater than speaking, while manasic repetition is considered to be the highest way to contemplate a mantra.

There are 84 million mantras that can be found in the scriptures or obtained through teachers. It is said the most effective way to receive a mantra is through a self-realized master.

A mantra obtained from a self-realized master is conscious and contains the full force of the master’s realization. It immediately starts to work within a seeker and transform their inner being.

Mantra jaap should be done with great love and devotion and should completely engage the mind. Gurumaa says the mind and heart should be so engrossed in the mantra that no other thoughts are able to appear!

If one wants to fully attain the power of the mantra, they should realize that that there is no difference between the mantra and one’s own Self. The goal of mantra jaap is to become aware of the absolute bliss that exists within us!

Lord Rama is one of the most beloved gods in Hinduism and is considered to be the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The great epic Ramayana reveals the journey and glory of the Lord, as he had come into the world to destroy evil forces, and restore peace and morality in the world.

Rama was an embodiment of love, and possessed a very charming and genuine personality. He was an ideal son, brother, husband, friend and king. During his rule happiness and prosperity was bestowed upon everyone, and he was adored by the people in his kingdom.

He also enacted the role of a householder and ultimately taught the world about how to live a proper, righteous and honorable life.

The title Marayada Purushotam is always joined to his name because he possessed all the ideal virtues that any human being aspires to have (Purushotam), and always observed the proper rules of conduct and behavior (marayada).

There is so much power in the Lord’s name. In fact in the Ramacaritamanasa, Goswami Tulsidas writes Lord Rama is the supreme Truth the Vedas are praising! It is said that the repetition of Lord Rama’s name is equal to a thousand names of God or repetition of a mantra one thousand times!

This beautiful name purifies the heart and destroys all kinds of sins and ignorance of the mind. Repetition of Lord Rama’s name also allows one to experience true wisdom, happiness and ultimately liberation.

As we chant this divine name with Gurumaa let us pray that we become drenched in the divine ecstasy of the Lord’s name!

What is mantra jaap or chanting and how can it still the mind? In Part nine of the Pune satsang that took place on December 10, 2010, Gurumaa reveals the secret behind this ancient technique.

The word mantra originates from Sanskrit. Its root word man means mind, while tra means tool. Mantra is a tool used to calm the mind.

A mantra is a group of letters or phrases that generate a specific vibration within our system. Different mantras produce different vibrations within an individual and invoke different gods.

Mantra jaap is one of the easiest ways to purify the mind and transform one’s inner being. It eradicates countless negativities and impure emotions stored in our mind.

Mantra repetition also allows a devotee to obtain one-pointedness, or focus, on the specific deity of the mantra. If the mantra is practiced with full faith and devotion its vibrations can awaken the spiritual centers located in our subtle body, and bring about experiences of higher consciousness.

It is the nature of the mind to waver and become entangled in worldly desires. Mantra repetition draws the mind and senses into the inner world and allows one to connect with their true, blissful Self.

Once a person experiences the tranquility and peace of the inner world, the outer world becomes insignificant to them. As Gurumaa says, allow the mind to become focused and absorbed in the mantra: It will take you to the source of true happiness!

What is the mind? Does it possess a shape, or form like the body? What does the mind really want, and how can we make it calm? Watch part eight of the Gurumaa satsang that took place in Pune on Dec 10th 2010 for answers to these questions!

In this part Gurumaa elucidates the true nature of the mind. She explains that it is the nature of the mind to look outside at different objects, jump from one thought to another, and desire worldly objects.

This is the state of every mind that has not been disciplined through spiritual practices, and as a result it becomes dull and lethargic and filled with impurities.

The scriptures of India say that the mind is your best friend, but can also be your worst enemy. If the mind is trained and purified it allows you to experience your own inner Self.

A good mind is the most important possession one can have. Without this possession it is impossible to realize your true Self. Therefore the sages of India always emphasized valuing and respecting the mind.

However, if one continues to remain under its control they become slaves of their own minds.

So, what is the mind? As Gurumaa says the mind has no shape or form, and is really nothing but emptiness! The scriptures also say that the mind is nothing but a contracted form of the universal consciousness.

It is the nature of the consciousness to create, and just as it has created this outer world it continues to create infinite universes inside our minds. As a result the mind is always creating and dissolving worlds of thoughts, fantasies, and all kinds of dreams.

Therefore the mind is uncontrollable because it is nothing but the pure energy of this universal consciousness!

The great philosophers and sages of India composed many great works which discuss how the mind can be stilled and purified. They developed practices such as yoga, pranayama and meditation which cleanse the mind, and ultimately allow one to experience their own nature, or the paramatma that exists within! As the mind turns within, it merges with the pure Self, and becomes the Self!

We assume that fulfilling our desires will make us happy, but they really don’t! One wish only leads to another, and ultimately we realize we are not finding the happiness that we are always searching for.

How can we experience this true happiness? Gurumaa says the only way we will truly become happy is by discovering our own true nature!

The sages of India have constantly reiterated that this body is not our “true” Self. In order to experience our true nature we must take a journey into the inner world that exists within.

How can we see our own divine pure Self? Can it be perceived with our eyes? As Gurumaa says we cannot see our own selves without the aid of a mirror, so how can we expect to see the supreme Self with these eyes?

Prana is the cosmic energy that pervades this entire universe, and pranayama involves controlling this energy through deep breathing techniques.

The mind and breath and interconnected and the practice of pranayama helps in steadying the mind. Regular practice of pranayama also aids in removing the blockages and impurities that are located in our subtle nerve channels, or nadis, allowing the prana to flow freely.

As the prana enters the sushumna nadi, the most important nadi located in the spinal cord region, it moves into the higher energy centers. At this point a seeker obtains experiences of higher consciousness, powers and supreme bliss or ananda.

The supreme consciousness or Self that exists within is inconspicuous and cannot be perceived with our mind or senses. It has no color, shape or name and is without any attributes.

The Self has been described as sat-cit-ananda: existence-consciousness-Absolute bliss. Gurumaa points out that we are searching outside for God in temples, yet the lord is right within us!

Meditation allows one to know their true Self. By meditating we become aware of the pure happiness, or divinity that exists within us. One becomes aware of the truth that the great saints have emphasized: God lives within us, not outside! So as Gurumaa says go within to find your true inner Self.

Trembling and uneasiness in legs while doing yoga nidra; Do these symptoms seem familiar to you? Then you are the right person to listen to this video by realized master, Anandmurti Gurumaa.

If you experience trembling and uneasiness in legs while doing yoga nidra, know it that your mind, body and nervous system are weak. You also need to strengthen your immune and nervous system.

So how do you do this? Listen to Gurumaa telling us how we can conquer the weaknesses inherent in our system and become healthy, strong and wise!

Practicing yoga nidra everyday enables us to explore the boundaries between the various states of consciousness. Our willpower increases because we make a resolve each day, which does not change.

We are able to study the thoughts arising in our subconscious, accept the positive ones and reject the negative ones. Yoga nidra teaches us how to relax. Stillness enables us to become aware of our inner being, one of the main purposes of meditation.

To maintain stillness in yoga nidra, practice of yoga and pranayam are necessary to make the body receptive to this transformational healing. So, are you a fan of this wonderful combination of yoga, pranayama and yoga nidra? Then, you are well on the way to becoming healthy, spiritually wealthy, strong and wise.